Must We Love?

From the February edition of Conexion, BB's column.

Hola, Hola, Hola Beautifuls!

Febrero, February. El mes del Amor, the month of love. 

Oh Beautifuls, this is year dos without Sweetie, but not without love. 

 Quee?? BB ya con novio? JU SO FONII!! 

No Beautifuls, without romance, pero nunca without amor. 

Not to say the physical isn’t necessary or painful when lacking. Babushka always has Sweetie’s side of the bed con cosas. Partly because she’s messy, but mainly because it fills up that empty espacio. The void is felt, but it can be filled, to only come in surprising spurts and sometimes wicked waves. Pero love has so many levels, so many ways to manifest, to enjoy and partake of.  

Sin duda, without a doubt is the love of familia. BB doesn’t know where she’d be without The Trio and The Grands. It’s nice to be needed and loved. Family, this is a given. Hope you are Blessed to feel the same.

La Vida, Life is to be Loved. Good, Bad, and todo in between. It’s why we’re here, the reason to Be. To Learn and to Love. This is our tarea. Si, we must love. Now, What you love, How you love, is your choice, your challenge. Hopefully you love life and cherish every moment, every chance of Being. Because you are worthy of the chances, the choices, the Love of Life, and the Love of YOU.

Mucho, MUCHO Amor & Besos to All.

Cuidensen.

Love in a Blanket. Plush Personalized Blanket #Giveaway with @las930

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Is there someone you'd love to give a grandisimo hug to? Maybe for a Valentine's gift, or for someone who lives far away, or maybe to yourself? Here's a present you can have made just for them. A Personalized Blanket to wrap themselves in your love. Wouldn't that be a wonderful regalo? And if you won it, even better!!  Here's your chance to do just that. 

Welcome to the Plush Personalized Blanket Giveaway!

1 Winner Plush Personalized Blanket

This giveaway is part of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

HOST IS MICHIGAN SAVING AND MORE

My co-hosts for this giveaway are Deliciously Savvy, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, Miki’s Hope,

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, This Frugal Family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM

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1 Winner receives the Plush Personalized Blanket

Plush Personalized Blanket

Unbelievably fluffy and warm custom sherpa blanket with names in the shape of a heart. This high quality cozy fleece blanket is impossible to leave behind, wherever one might go. The perfect size for snuggling on the couch, by the fireplace or at outdoor events. It makes a great gift for parents, grandparents & families.

$56 ARV

See review HERE.

~~~~~~

THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 2/1/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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Here's to giving hugs!!

Buena Suerte Beautifuls.

BB2U

Biracial,Bilingual,is Beautiful. Amor is our history. 💕

Disclosure: Babushka wrote this for the Febrero/February 2020 edition of Conexion. 

A bilingual newspaper here in Florida's panhandle as well as Georgia and South Alabama.

Hola Hola Hola Beautifuls!

This post will be a BB Twofer. If you’ve been reading Babushka for awhile, you know that’s when you get dos topics in one post. A Two fer (for) uno. Last week the editor asked for submissions and BB asked what he’d like her post to be about. He never mandates, pero usually has some pretty good prompts y suggestions. For February he answered, “Valentine’s Day or Black HIstory Month”. Naturalmente, both very apropo and good temas, so pa’lante-pero, a la Babushka. Combining the two con corazon y cariño, a true story of love.

Miami, 15 years ago, Babushka’s eldest found her love. La CubanDominicanChinese Princess chose her Panamanian Prince and they proceeded to make a familia. 

Their first, a special child with an affinity to those smaller and younger than himself, especially babies. Then came la preciosa Princesa whose artistic attitude started a movement. The third is a little man who was already studying his surroundings on his first dia of vida. One could tell he had history, and would probably make history.

Familia is blood, the color red, the color of Valentine’s.

La Tata and her six greatgreatgrandchildren.

Si, they will make history, be a part of history. As we all are. Babushka chose to include this under Valentine’s/Black History month because of what she hopes is obvious. Through our examples, our passions, we influence our surroundings. So for those who first see the color, JU SO FONII!! May you see with your corazones the truth, that the outcome is a tale of love. Y al final Beautifuls,when all is said and done,  Amor is our history. 

Babushka Besos a Todos. Cuidensen.

At Home and Heart #MOANA #Giveaway @Disney @AlliedContigo promo

Gracias to Disney and Allied Contigo for including BB in this promo. Compensation as shown and felicidad/opinion son de Babushka and Grands. Also as shown, and all ours.

Our Hawaiian Princess at 3 months w/greatgreat grandmother La Tata.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Hoy hablamos of Disney's Moana and one of the main points en la pelicula;the significance grandparents can make in children's lives. Grandparenthood, ser Abuelo- where discipline is slight and sweets aplenty. Sweets, besides the sugary kind, are when the abuelos son the confidants, the guiding light from the past who believe in our futures.  Moana was blessed with Grandmother Tala, and hopefully The Grands will think the same of Babushka.  La Princesa, being autistic and the only hembra is especially close to BB y con el favor de Dios will continue to connect with the feelings of total love held for her. Quee?? Ok, si,  JU SO FONII!!!  Tambien connect with some of the locura and love of life shared too.

Also BB's blessed job is to entertain and premiar y'all, so, gracias a Allied Contigo one of you Beautifuls will win a digial dvd copy of the movie Moana. Mientras tanto, there's a great set of new activity sheets out, y aqui lo tienes:

http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/p/activity-sheetsprint-outs.html

El amor de abuelos and familia. Also the love de Moana, which El Dr. & Dr.J enjoy watching, and we look forward to seeing it again cuando llega La Princesa later this week. Check out the merchandise we will get to share and make more memories with.

Aqui is the giveaway so you can make marvelous memorias too.

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Buena Suerte Beautifuls, and remember-

Be proud of where you come from, believe in that tiny inner voice of amor,

 and know that Babushka will always be near and loving you.

"Moana Na na Ori" by TINAciousArtist


BB2U

Like MOANA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana

Follow MOANA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneymoana

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official MOANA website here: http://movies.disney.com/moana

Prior BB Moana Posts-
My Own- #MOANA de Disney

Activity Sheets 

And a post by Kiki Shelly Ray on "Why the Lessons of Disney's "Moana" are so important. 

OOops He Did It Again! #BabuBoda Busted

 HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!! Do you remember Sweetie's reaction when I came back from Hispanicize last year? Bueno, looks like he gets nervous when I'm surrounded by so many Hunky Hispanos because this time he just said, "Let's Get Married."  No, not like the last time when he proposed/set a date, I mean "My mom is coming up here w/her best friend and I want to get married while she's here. At the courthouse."

Quee?? Pero what about #Babuboda you ask? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, I was looking forward to the party and seeing all my blogasphere besties and friends, but sabes algo?  When a 52 year old confirmed bachelor says he wants to get married you don't waste time- you get married!

At this point La Gallina Vieja took over. 

 #Babuboda was mine, but this at the courthouse thing was too simple and sublime for Babushka.  

And quiet!!  Oh my, the freezing winds were louder than the ceremony.

Still, the handpicked flowers from the yard, hung on the trellis with tulle-
the truth and gentleness of it.  

 And the true and gentle sincerity with which the vows were so assuredly repeated... 

how at this stage of life, love was ready to be declared and shared.

There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Si, ok- it's loud and kinda My Spacey but BB had to put her spin on something in this wedding!! 

; )

A toast to Newlyweds and Love.

To the dreams they both inspire, seeing no age nor limit.  

Stronger than doubts and fears, may we always be in their Light.

ESO!!!

Babushka besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Showcasing Love with HeART of Haiti

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  It's February, the month of love- and for BB there's no greater love than mother love. Quee?  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, el café and chocolate come very close, especially during ::shudder:: puberty, but all in all, Babushka must say my trio have been and are the greatest loves of my vida.

Heart of Haiti Frame and Paperweight

river stone paperweight

 The S Sisters once again blessed BB with such symbolic gifts.  The frame pictured above is encompassing my loves by the same sentiment I've shared with them throughout their lives.  To give fully of oneself- in all one does, and to do it authentically. And like these hand chiseled paperweights, we shape and form our children with love, while they in turn become our grounding treasures.  

For those of you who've been following BB for awhile, you may remember my Mother's Day post  where I've always told my trio to "do everything with heart, from the heart."  I sincerely live by this motto and as you've seen by the last couple of posts, Babushka believes in the power of giving, helping and loving.  Thanks to the wonderful Heart of Haiti initiative my trio is being showcased with love, because each original piece of art is made by a Haitian artisan who gives of themselves fully.  I can think of no better way to show off my trio, and no better way to show global love than to help those who give of themselves. 

"Haitian artisans create beautiful one-of-a kind pieces for sale at Macys.com. This is an initiative Macy’s launched with the Clinton Bush Haiti fund and Willa Shalit – a philanthropic entrepreneur. Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities."

Babushka hopes you go to their website, not just to see the wonderful creations, but to watch a video BB fell in love with.  The music, the colors, but most of all the sharing of the people. Their love of their art, their country, and of themselves.  Si, self love, self sufficiency-  the greatest lesson a mother can give her children. And the greatest love we can give to all.  

Love to you My Beautifuls, during the month of Amor and Always.

♥

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Although this post was in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Heart of Haiti, 

BB received no monetary compensation, just the above shown items and the satisfaction of knowing the cause is worthy of highlighting.  

Opinions and beliefs as always are mine, and as always, shared from the heart. 

Craving Carlitos and a new car

Hola Hola Hola My Beautifuls!  Do you remember the old song "Torn between 2 lovers, Feeling like a fool."?  Queee?? JU SO FONII!!! No, the wedding is still on, Sweetie and I are fine thank you.  The two lovers are Chevrolet and Ford.  Now, aunque BB's is Una Familia Pa' Ford , and I was just recently Flowing with Ford,  I couldn't help but miss Carlitos.  We were in the trenches together and he always had my back. You don't forget things like that.  Bueno, in case you've forgotten, here's the first time I saw him.  Continuing.

I missed my compañero and though I wasn't about to go back to Miami just to see him, I did win a Macy's GC if I'd visit his family and test drive his newly updated older primo El Malibu. Not one to refuse swag, BB went to my local Chevrolet dealership to do some holiday wishing and to send them his love.

Unfortunately the flag was at halfmast because of the CT shootings, but it was nice to know they cared.  In a  silent but real way that spoke to me and I appreciated it.  I also appreciated Mr. John Myers, the gentleman who tended to Sweetie and BB.  Mr. Myers smiled knowingly when he heard my Carlitos recount- "Yes, Chevy did it right when they did the Cruze.  It's hard to beat."  Boy, he wasn't just whistlin' La Guantanamera with that one! 

El Malibu next to Carlitos' flashy brother

Sooooo hard for Babushka to choose, but choose I must.  

My dear Stan the Man has almost 200,000 miles on him- he's digno of a good retirement.  

I think I'll take a clue from the dealership and let the holiday spirit guide me.

Babushka started this post with a song and I think I'll end it the same way.  

To quote one of my favorite Christmas carols, "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas"-

as for me i have no clue
so i'll go to rest
choose for me dear Santa Claus 
what you think is best!!!!

http://www.lyrics.com/jolly-old-saint-nicholas-lyrics-santa-claus.html#1hSsIxivZojYpe1d.99 

Honestamente, I recall the lyrics as:

as for me my little brain isn't very bright,

choose for me dear Santi Clo, what you think is right.

I'll let you guess which version I like best.

; )

Which do you think Santi will bring?  What did you ask him for Crisma?

Whatever it is I hope you receive it, but above all -

I hope you receive the love of the season.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Life. It is Bueno. - Day 6 of the SMCSF 30 day Blog Challenge

A nice crisp fall evening. 

Snuggling with my Sweety we caught up with the day's activities and listened for My Little One's safe return from work. 

The dogs were quiet and so was the night.  All is right in the world.

 It's good to be home.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Queee??  You thought the picture is of BB's home?  JU SO FONII!!!  

This photo of Son Julia Country House Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Babushka's Bridal Beauty 101

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.

Sweetie and I set a concrete date for our wedding. Que? JU SO FONII!! Ok si, I'll be 50 and this will be my third wedding, but I still intend to celebrate the occassion and plan to be a very happy bride on the big day.  As we say in buen Cubano- "Mas sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo."  The devil knows more because he's old than because he's the devil. In other words, experience counts more than anything else, so let BB's aforementioned qualifications help so you don't have a devil of a time on your big day.

First of all- BREATHE!!  You'd be amazed how many brides forget to do this.  Between the tighness of their gowns and their nerves, the phenomenon of blacked out brides is very common.

Second- speaking of nerves... what hasn't been done by now is out of your hands so chillax!!  You can only be in charge of yourself, and if you can't laugh of yourself, you're taking life way too seriously. Have something/someone on hand that always makes you laugh.

Third- Think only of the moment. What you truly have is now, and most importantly the NOW of the love you feel.  There are no guarantees in life, so cherish and fully enjoy the reason for the celebration.  The best decoration in any wedding is the  love radiating from the couple when they look into each other's eyes.

Only three steps.  Of course you may have to remind yourself of them constantly all through the day, but they're short so you can write them on a 3x5.  And please, sobretodo, never omit number one, 'cause without that there's no way you'll be able to do the other two. 

; )

Be happy my beautiful brides, the moment is yours.

 

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Amongst the swag given to BB during Hispanicize were samples of Dove ClearTone deodorant.  I was very impressed by the product and happily applied to write this for them. 

I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com.

All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Groaners

First it was cross dressing, then lovers, and now groaners.  I can hear y'all now- "What kind of a blog is BB starting to write?"  JU SO FONII!!!  Oh si, funny y mal pensados!  Clean those minds and follow me on one of the pleasures in life... laughter.

I know- gotta wait till you clean yourselves off from the gutter visit...

Groaners, those bad jokes that are so bad they're good.  Some of them have actually caused BB to guffaw!  To those whippersnappers who don't know the word "guffaw", think of it as a heartfelt, belly moving LOL.  Bueno, now that you know what they are, let Babushka share some of her faves with you.

What's furry, has whiskers and chases outlaws?

A posse cat.

A horse walks into a bar and the bartender asks, 

"Why the long face?" 

What lies at the bottom of the ocean and twitches?

a nervous wreck.




Why couldn't the bicycle stand up by itself?  

it was too tired. 

Ok, ok, I know- I promise they'll get better.




What did the grape do when he got stepped on?

He let out a little wine.




and lastly- 




If a fire hydrant has H2O on the inside, what does it have on the outside? 




K9P.




  Vamanos!  
Come on now, I know you chuckled- at least rolled your eyes.  
And I know y'all have quite a few in your repertoire.
Who doesn't love them?


They're quick, straightforward, and a little bit cheesy.


Remind you of someone?


; )  




Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  The majority of the jokes were found on  "Really bad jokes" - he has "a million of them" http://www.angelfire.com/fl/JackCraig/HUMOR-REALLYBADJOKES.html

Lovers

Ah... lovers. Que queeeee? You thought BB was writing a kiss and tell?  JU SO FONII !!!

 No people, that's not BB's style.  Lovers- as in lovers on screen.  

  Who was your first celebrity crush? I can definitely remember mine. 

Kurt Russell- in Disney's "The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes."

bb found him so cute, so smart, so different than the boys I knew...

I was 7.  

The Man from Atlantis 1977

Patrick Duffy- The Man From Atlantis. ::sigh::  He was my first "big girl crush".   

I used to watch the old tv broadcasts showing The Beatles and laughed at the girls screaming and crying over them. The laughing stopped when I started watching this series; I must admit, Bb shed quite a few tears over this webbed hand hottie.  Pre pub hormones, what a time!

1979-  Love at First Bite came out,a comedy horror film- de veras. 

 It was the Twilight of the times, and let me tell you there wasn't a female neck in that theater that didn't arch a bit for the debonair and slightly dippy Mr. George Hamilton everytime he was on screen.  

But at 17, this was my actual version of Love at first bite.

1994- Don Juan de Marco- el Sr. Johnny Depp.   ' Nuff said.


Babushka remembers and stays loyal to these lovers for they have not disappointed, nor has the infatuation diminished through the years. All these gentlemen aged/have aged well-  

just like BB. 

Kurt Russell

                                                                                    

  

Patrick Duffy

George Hamilton

Johnny Depp


 ::SIGH::  

Oh Si, I have sooooo much in common with these gentlemen; pity we never met. 

 Then again, hope springs eternal.  BB might still get to write that tell all novel.

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Ok esta bien, yes,  I said that wasn't my style... pero por fa gente,

Rhumba with Russell, Dancing with Duffy, Hoedown with Hamilton, Dipping with The Depp-  
NY Times Bestsellers for sure!